The significance of C-reactive protein in the diagnosis of fetal tachycardia and therapy of chorioamnionitis.

Backround: Pregnant woman with fetal tachycardia have a risk of chorioamnionitis as cause of tachycardia. Different studies have supported or refuted the use of C-reactive protein (CRP) to diagnose chorioamnionitis. The goal of this study was to evaluate serial serum CRP levels for diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. Methods: The study included 60 woman with chorioamnionitis confirmed after measuring the levels of CRP. Patients were monitored by CRP determination, white blood cell (WBC) count, maternal temperature, maternal and fetal heart rate. Results: Elevated CRP level was present in 93.33% of cases. Fetal tachycardia was present in 91,67 cases, all associated with elevated CRP level: Increased WBC count was present in 63.33%. A statistically significant difference was found in the level of CRP in pregnant women with increased WBC count compared with those without (p < 0.01). Conclusion: Elevated C-reactive protein levels were more sensitive than other standard laboratory or clinical tests in predicting chorioamnionitis. Also, recent reports indicate that serial CRP levels during this interval may be useful for monitoring antibiotic treatment.